Delicious Vietnamese Pork Salad for a Healthy Meal
Are you a fan of Vietnamese cuisine? Then this delectable Vietnamese Pork Salad Recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for a healthy and flavorful salad or a hearty pork noodle bowl, this recipe will certainly make your taste buds sing.
This dish features succulent boneless pork chops marinated with classic Vietnamese ingredients such as fish sauce, rice vinegar, and mirin. This meat is then grilled to perfection and served over a bed of crispy napa cabbage, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint.
What truly sets this dish apart is the tangy and savory nuoc cham dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and garlic. This traditional Vietnamese condiment adds the perfect punch of flavor to the grilled pork, making it irresistibly delicious.
So why not impress your friends and family with this flavorful Vietnamese Pork Salad Recipe? Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or just love experimenting with global flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow along for complete instructions on how to create an authentic, mouthwatering Vietnamese dish right in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture yourself sitting on a breezy terrace on a hot summer day, with a plate of sweet and savory Vietnamese Pork Salad right in front of you. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? This dish is the perfect example of how bold flavors and contrasting textures can come together to create a delicious and refreshing salad that you won’t stop craving for.
Firstly, if you’re someone who loves bold and flavorful food, this recipe is definitely for you. The tender pork chops are marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar before being grilled to perfection, adding irresistible depth to each bite. The vermicelli noodles are cooked until they are perfectly tender, before being tossed with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro to produce an aromatic sensation with every mouthful.
But what I truly love about this Vietnamese Pork Salad recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight meal or a big crowd-pleasing dish for your next barbecue party, this recipe will never disappoint. You can easily adjust the level of spice by adding more or less lime juice or fish sauce. Plus, it’s also vegetarian-friendly – just swap the pork chops with your favorite plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
Moreover, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare; it only takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. You don’t have to be an experienced chef to create something so scrumptious – even beginners in the kitchen will be able to whip up a Vietnamese Pork Salad that is restaurant-quality.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that this Vietnamese Pork Salad recipe comes with nutritional benefits too! This dish is considered relatively low in calorie and high in protein due to the presence of lean pork chops while some of its key ingredients like napa cabbage and vermicelli noodles are known for their rich source of fiber.
So why settle for boring spring salads when you could indulge in something as exciting as Vietnamese Pork Salad! I guarantee that this recipe will become a regular on your meal plan once you’ve tasted it.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious Vietnamese pork salad recipe:
For the Pork Marinade:
- Thịt nướng (grilled pork) or 1 lb boneless pork chops
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Noodle Salad:
- Vermicelli noodles or rice noodles
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh mint
- Green onions
- Napa cabbage
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
Note: You can also use grilled pork belly, pork shoulder, pulled pork or caramelized pork in this recipe if you prefer.
Optional Additions:
You can also add lemongrass pork chops, Vietnamese meatballs, or pork meatballs to your Vietnamese noodle salad for extra flavor and texture.
The Recipe How-To
Now, the fun part begins – the recipe preparation. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for making thisVietnamese Pork Salad Recipe. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Grilled Pork
First, I prepare the Grilled Pork because I want to give the pork chops enough time to marinate. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, ½ teaspoon black pepper and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Add boneless pork chops to the marinade and refrigerate for an hour.
Then, I turn on the grill to medium-high heat to preheat before putting the pork chops on it. Grill each side for four minutes or until golden brown.
Noodle Salad
While waiting for the grilled pork to cook, it’s time to prepare the delicious Noodle Salad. Cook 1 lb of rice vermicelli noodles according to its package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of sugar, ½ cup of water and 3 tablespoons of fish sauce.
Toss the cooked noodles in the dressing mixture and add thinly sliced napa cabbage, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped fresh mint, and sliced green onions.
Vietnamese Caramelized Pork
If you prefer having caramelized pork in your salad instead of grilled port, here’s how to make it:
For the Vietnamese Caramelized Pork:
In a pot over low heat, mix together 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water for about two minutes until dissolved into a syrup.
Then add cubed or sliced pieces of pork shoulder/pork belly into it.
Let it cook until slightly charred
Assembling Everything
Now it’s time to put all the pieces together to make the Vietnamese Pork Salad. In a large bowl, mix in the noodle salad, sliced grilled pork chops, or the Vietnamese Caramelized Pork.
To add more flavors and depth to the salad, drizzle some nuoc cham sauce over it, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and serve it with a slice of fresh lime.
This Vietnamese Pork Salad Recipe is an explosion of flavors from the grilled pork or caramelized pork, combined with the classic Vietnamese noodle salad ingredients that everyone loves. Try this recipe for dinner or lunch, and share it with your family and friends.
Substitutions and Variations
Vietnamese Pork Salad is a versatile dish with plenty of possibilities for substitutions and variations. Here are some ideas to make the recipe your own:
1. Meat Substitutes: If you don’t eat pork, you can replace it with other meats like grilled chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Traditional pork cuts like pork belly and pork shoulder can also be used.
2. Noodle Type: Instead of vermicelli noodles, you can use udon noodles, glass noodles, or soba noodles. Rice noodles are another popular alternative.
3. Herbs: The recipe calls for fresh mint and cilantro, but you can also use Thai basil or parsley if you prefer.
4. Vegetables: Napa cabbage can be substituted with bok choy, kale or romaine lettuce. Chopped cucumbers, bean sprouts or shredded carrots can be added for more crunch.
5. Dressing Variation: If you’re not a fan of fish sauce, replace it with soy sauce and add some sesame oil and black pepper for a different taste. For a sweeter dressing, combine rice vinegar and mirin with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
6. Grilled variation: Instead of using boneless chops in the recipe, try using lemongrass pork chops or even meatballs for a fun twist on the classic version.
7. Caramelized Pork Substitution: If you love caramelized pork but don’t have time to cook it from scratch, try using pulled pork or grilled pork in its place as an easy shortcut.
8. Spicy Option: If you like spicy food, add sliced jalapenos or sriracha sauce to the mix for some extra heat!
Overall, the beauty of Vietnamese Pork Salad is that it’s very adaptable to individual preferences and cravings – so don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
The Vietnamese Pork Salad recipe is delicious and light, and it is a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish. This salad pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine or a cold beer, making it ideal for a summertime BBQ or picnic.
This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats like lemongrass pork chops and Vietnamese meatballs. The salad also pairs well with rice noodles, which can be tossed with the salad ingredients for a complete meal. You can even add some cooked shrimp or chicken to the dish if you want to increase the protein content.
For serving, I recommend arranging the pork on top of a bed of Napa cabbage, vermicelli noodles or over shredded lettuce. To finish, drizzle some nuoc cham dressing over the salad to add an extra layer of flavor. Don’t forget to garnish with green onions and fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint for added freshness.
This recipe is very versatile and can be modified in various ways to suit your preferences. If you are watching your calorie intake, you can adjust the amount of sugar or use leaner cuts of pork like pork shoulder instead of pork belly. To make it vegetarian, you can use tofu in place of pork.
Overall, the Vietnamese Pork Salad Recipe is flavorful and easy to make. It is a healthy choice for lunch or dinner that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed without weighing you down.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to this Vietnamese pork salad recipe, it is possible to prepare some elements in advance, making this dish a great option for meal prep. If you are planning ahead, you can cook and marinate the pork in advance, and chop up the vegetables so that when it is time to assemble the salad everything comes together quickly.
Once everything is put together, however, be sure to eat it up right away. Due to the fresh nature of the vegetables and herbs, this dish is best when eaten as soon as possible.
If you do end up with leftovers or need to store your Vietnamese pork salad for later consumption, store any remaining components separately. Keep the chopped vegetables and herbs chilled in an airtight container, and store the cooked and cooled pork separately in another container.
When you’re ready to enjoy your Vietnamese Pork Salad once again, reheat the meat separately on a skillet or microwave before adding it to your cold ingredients. An important note to remember is that dressing should only be added right before serving.
By following these simple tips, storing and reheating becomes less of a hassle and allows for a repurposed yet still delicious meal every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to creating the best possible Vietnamese pork salad, there are a few key tips that can make all the difference in achieving perfect results. As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I have years of experience crafting the most delectable dishes, and here are my top tips for making your Vietnamese pork salad an unforgettable experience.
1. Marinate your pork meat
To infuse your pork meat with more flavor and juiciness, marinating is an essential step. You can marinate your boneless pork chops or other cuts like pork shoulder, pork belly or pulled pork with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, mirin, fish sauce, rice vinegar and minced garlic. Allow at least 2-4 hours for proper marinating, but for best results overnight marinating is recommended.
2. Grill the pork perfectly
Grilling the pork is one of the most critical aspects of this recipe as it helps to lock in the juicy flavors of your meat. Preheat your grill over high heat before adding your well-marinated pork cuts. Maintain heat around 375-450°F throughout the grilling process while turning them every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides.
3. Use fresh and crisp vegetables
To make healthy yet satisfying Vietnamese pork salad recipes with lots of greens and fiber, always pick high-quality fresh vegetables such as napa cabbage, green onions and bean sprouts. Cut them into thin slices for easy eating and mix them evenly with the noodles according to your recipe directions.
4. Choose vermicelli noodles
Using rice vermicelli noodles is common in many Vietnamese dishes because they are light in texture and have a delicate flavor that doesn’t overpower other ingredients. They cook quickly and can be prepared in advance without adverse effects on their quality or texture.
5. Prep ahead of time
To save time when cooking or entertaining guests, chop all vegetables ahead of time, marinate your pork meat in overnight and prepare the sauce at least 30 minutes before serving. This will ensure that your pork salad comes together easily and on time.
By following these tips, you can create the perfect Vietnamese pork salad every time. Whether you are a beginner or experienced home cook, these tips will help elevate your dish to restaurant-quality and bring an authentic taste of Vietnam to your table.
FAQ
Now that we have gone through the whole recipe, let’s discuss some frequently asked questions. These questions cover some of the aspects of making this dish that may require more attention or those that are practical and relevant to your cooking experience. Keep reading to get answers to some of the possible queries you may have about this Vietnamese Pork Salad recipe.
How many calories are in a Vietnamese vermicelli salad with pork?
This recipe article will guide you on how to prepare a delicious serving of Pandaroo Vermicelli Salad With Grilled Pork, which is packed with 78g total carbs, 78g net carbs, 4g fat, 5g protein, and 370 calories.
How many calories are in a Vietnamese noodle salad with pork?
The serving size for this dish contains approximately 250 calories, with 6.4 grams of fat, 0.9 grams of saturated fat, 3.6 grams of monounsaturated fat, and 1.6 grams of polyunsaturated fat. It is a good source of protein, with 17 grams per serving, and has 31 grams of carbohydrates with 2 grams of fiber. It also contains cholesterol, with 49 milligrams, and provides 2 milligrams of iron, 569 milligrams of sodium, and 45 milligrams of calcium.
What is Vietnamese pork made of?
The dish I’m introducing is a Vietnamese specialty called Thit Kho To, typically prepared using pork belly. I personally find pork belly quite fatty and therefore prefer making it using pork shoulder (butt).
What is the Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodle?
One of the classic dishes from Southern Vietnam is called bún thịt nướng. This tasty noodle bowl consists of grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, pickled vegetables, fragrant herbs, and peanuts. A sweet and tangy sauce called nuoc cham is also added to elevate the flavors.
Bottom Line
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its healthy and delicious dishes. The Vietnamese Pork Salad Recipe that I have shared with you today perfectly embodies the essence of Vietnamese cooking. With its delectable blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, this salad is an explosion of taste in every bite.
Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro in the culinary world, this recipe is definitely worth trying. It’s easy to prepare, especially with my tips and tricks on how to make it perfect. Plus, it can be customized to suit your preferences by making substitutions or variations.
So go ahead, give this Vietnamese Pork Salad Recipe a try and discover why it’s a great addition to any meal. With its healthy ingredients and mouth-watering flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
Vietnamese Pork Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless pork chops
Dressing
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon thai chili-garlic sauce (Sriacha)
Salad
- 3 ounces rice vermicelli
- 1/2 head napa cabbage, cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Slice pork chops in half horizontally; pound to an even thickness.
- Combine dressing ingredients, pour 1/4 cup of it over pork chops and marinate at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours; reserve remainder to dress salad.
- Prepare noodles according to package directions.
- Heat grill pan, over medium heat, and cook pork about 3 minutes per side; remove to cutting board, let rest a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- In a large bowl, combine noodles, cabbage, cilantro, mint, and green onions; add reserved dressing, toss to combine.
- Arrange salad and noodle mixture on a serving platter and top with pork.